DiggyLand

R.O Exclusive Interview

Yes digger, we have a little gift for you ! 

As R.O is coming playing for the first time in France, in Paris June 1st, we thought it was the right moment to know a bit more about him.

This Belgian producer hasn’t stop to amaze the bass music community by his constant high level of production. He’s young and we can expect a lot about him. But no more prattle, let’s discuss with him !

R.O - Mad Savant ( FREE DOWNLOAD ) by R.O

Hi Olivier ! Thank you for doing this interview.

You’re one of the most powerfull upcoming Bass music artist right now, when did you start producing and how do you see that evolution ?
Hey ! Well I seriously started music at the age of 13 with guitar. I played in some cafés here in belgium, with a loop station So it wasn’t “producing” but this is when I started to get involved in the music. I always loved hip hop, reggae and funk but I started listening to the instrumentals alone, and asked myself how this can be done. I wanted my guitar to do everything, and I realized this was not possible, so I got interested by the production of electronic music… I started with FL studio, and now I’m using Ableton live for 2 years ( I love it so much ! ) 
About my evolution, I’m very happy to see that my music is promoted and shared so much, in the last months in particular. I started like 3 years ago, and now I’m gonna Tour in Australia, that’s just so crazy ! But I know I have a lot of work, my work is not 20 % I want it to be, I’m learning everyday and I hope this will continue ‘till my last day !

R.O - Ow yeah ! (FREE DOWNLOAD) by R.O

How do you produce ? Do you use analog machines ?
I produce with Ableton live, and a bunch of different VST ( FM8, Massive, Diva, Absynth, Kontakt, Zebra, Sylenth… ) and of course a lot of resampling in audio ! 
I use an Akai MPK25 as a midi keyboard, I also use my maschine and an APC 40 to produce faster or just to have fun ! 
My speakers are the KRK’s RP8.
I’m also recording a LOT of organic stuff with my Shure sm 57,and of course I record my guitar, my bass, percussion,etc…
Unfortunately I don’t use analog machines, but I’m planning to buy a Moog in some months… I’m waiting ! But I must say Diva has an incredible sound in term of analog emulation, this is a really awesome VST !

R.O - Dominate (FREE DOWNLOAD) by R.O

By listening to your music we can see there are a lot of different genres and mood, could you tell us how do you choose which style you’re going to do ?
I know it sounds cliché but It’s always about how I’m feeling. Let’s imagine I saw Noisia at a party yesterday night, you can be sure I will produce some heavy neurofunk because they got me into the mood ! 
In the case of my deep stuff ( Let’s say my latest remix for Balkansky - A storm ), it’s often linked to things happening in my life. I had really “easy” to find inspiration for this remix, because I was really into a kind of “storm”, and I was completely into the mood. 
Glitch-hop, dubstep and funky bass music is the music I produce when I’m happy ( most of the time ! )

R.O - Funk with the machines ( FREE DOWNLOAD ) by R.O

Your sound is released on Adapted Records, one of the most activ label. How did it happen ?
If I remember well, I sent to Adapted Records a preview of an old glitch hop stuff, but It already had the funky feel I have on my new tunes. So Corey ( the boss ) asked me if I would be interested about releasing a 4 track EP, and of course I said yes !! I’m so thrilled to be a part of this family, there are some awesome talents and awesome people in general in Adapted Records !

R.O - Nova EP Preview ( BEATPORT EXCLUSIVE ) by R.O

You’re going to Australia in August, what are you expecting ?
Kangaroos… 
I’m expecting the two best weeks of my life ! I just can’t wait to discover this country, and their habits ! It will also be the occasion to meet the guys from Adapted, and to have some fun with them as much as it is possible ! THIS WILL BE HUGE !

R.O - Wildcat ( FREE DOWNLOAD ) by R.O

With the artists from Sons Of Beat Records, such as Otist Reading and Enkephalin, the belgian glitch hop scene seems to spread well ! What do you think about it ? Any artists we should listen to ?
Yes ! And the funny fact is that Enkephalin, Otist and myself started Glitch-hop pretty much at the same time, but with really different influences, ideas and way of producing, so it was very enriching ! I can say we make different type of Glitch-hop, and that’s what I love !I’m happy to see Glitch-hop is getting bigger and bigger, but I want it to stay original and a fresh style, as it is now 
If I had to recommend two artists, they would be : 
-Enkephalin, because of his unique universe and strange sounds, a real sound experience ! 
- Spwee, which is an incredibly talented guy, seriously someone to watch

Enkephalin - Rusty Cooper by Enkephalin

Spwee - Happy Thoughts by Spwee

You’ll be playing in Paris, June 1st, is it your first gig in France ? Any words for the people who will come ?
Yes, it’s my first ( of a long series I hope ) gig in France, I’m so excited about this one… 
For all the beautiful people that will be there : Est-ce qu’on danse en France ? Prouvez moi que les français savent bouger, je vous prépare un pur live !

Digital Scandal #2 event with R.O and a lot more : https://www.facebook.com/events/368113709967332

Alright, we hope you enjoyed that read !

There will be more interview on Diggyland in the future, keep connected.